Major League Baseball officially approved a controversial multi-player trade involving Miami and Toronto on Monday that many consider to be a salary dump by the last place Marlins.
The Marlins agreed to send shortstop Jose Reyes, catcher John Buck, outfielder Emilio Bonifacio and pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle to Toronto.
In exchange, Miami receives shortstop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, pitcher Henderson Alvarez, minor league pitcher Anthony DeSclafini and a pair prospects — outfielder Jake Marisnick and pitcher Justin Nicolino.
The deal couldn’t become official until league commissioner Bud Selig gave his approval. The trade also involved cash.
The Marlins finished last in the NL East after a spending spree that followed the building of a new ballpark.
“I have carefully reviewed the proposed transaction between the Miami Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays,” Selig said Monday.
“After a thorough examination of this information, it is my conclusion that this transaction, involving established Major Leaguers and highly regarded young players and prospects, represents the exercise of plausible baseball judgment on the part of both clubs, does not violate any express rule of Major League Baseball and does not otherwise warrant the exercise of any of my powers to prevent its completion.”
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has come under fire for recent deals, which some liken to fire sales the club has had in the past.
The Marlins, who recently opened their new ball park, have finished last in the National League East two consecutive years.
“We’ve finished in last place the past two years and that is unacceptable to our fans, to us as an organization, and to me,” said Loria on Monday. “We want to get back to our winning ways and we want a winning baseball team for our fans. It’s incumbent on us to make the changes necessary to make us a winner again.”
Selig approves blockbuster trade
